A fiery exchange has erupted between President William Ruto and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, with the president vowing to set the lawmaker straight.
Salasya sparked the confrontation by accusing Ruto’s government of harboring cartels that allegedly hinder transparency, claiming the president is being misled on key issues. The outspoken MP further criticized the government’s handling of stakeholder involvement in significant projects in Mumias, accusing Ruto of sidelining critical voices.
But Ruto didn’t hold back. In a scathing response, he slammed Salasya for opposing programs designed to uplift the youth and create jobs while enjoying the benefits of his privileged position as an MP.
“Some people sit in positions of privilege and forget the purpose of leadership. They oppose everything yet offer no solutions. Nitamnyorosha kidogo ashike laini (I’ll discipline him a bit so he can toe the line),” Ruto declared, addressing a charged crowd.
The president also took the opportunity to affirm his confidence in winning the 2027 General Election. He dismissed critics and online detractors, whom he labeled “keyboard warriors,” accusing them of focusing solely on protests and propaganda.
This war of words has highlighted deep divisions over how development projects should be managed, with Salasya demanding greater transparency and inclusivity. However, Ruto’s camp insists that opposition leaders should focus on constructive engagement rather than criticism.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Mumias, a region whose development has become a flashpoint for political rivalries. The stakes are high, and it’s clear that neither Ruto nor Salasya is backing down anytime soon.
Ruto and Salasya Clash Over Development, Cartels, and Leadership
During the launch of sugarcane farmer bonuses in Mumias on Monday, January 20, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya openly questioned the source of the funds, claiming they weren’t included in the national budget and accusing Mumias Sugar’s management of lacking transparency.
Salasya further criticised President William Ruto for failing to involve stakeholders in key initiatives like education reforms, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and affordable housing. He urged Ruto to hire him as an advisor, claiming the president’s team was misleading him. “Mr. President, your people don’t tell you the truth. Cartels in your government have imposed heavy deductions on Kenyans, fueling public anger,” Salasya said, while pledging his support for Ruto in future elections.
Ruto hit back, dismissing Salasya’s remarks as populist. He defended his policies, asserting they were transformative and focused on solving long-standing issues. “The problem isn’t the plan but the lack of courageous leaders to implement it,” Ruto said. He accused Salasya of hypocrisy, pointing out that the MP’s Azimio coalition also backed similar housing initiatives.
Addressing online critics, Ruto vowed to silence naysayers in the next election. “For now, I’m focused on delivering my mandate, but when the time comes, we’ll deal with them politically,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to national development.